EastMinCom vows year-round protection for women and girls in conflict-affected areas

The Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) has pledged to keep protecting women and girls in conflict-affected communities beyond the national 18-Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women (VAW), according to Mindanao Times.

The command marked the campaign with a simultaneous flag-raising ceremony on Monday, Nov. 9, at Naval Station Felix Apolinario in Davao City. EastMinCom deputy commander BGen. Charlie L. Tiu Jr. led the gathering of officers, enlisted personnel and civilian staff under this year's national theme, "UNiTEd for a VAW-free Philippines."

COL Rosa Ma. Cristina Rosete-Manuel, chief of the command's public information office, led military and civilian personnel in a pledge to uphold gender equality, protect women's rights and promote a military workplace built on mutual respect and shared responsibility.

Tiu also read a message from Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Antonio G. Nafarrete. The statement said fighting gender-based violence calls for consistent operational standards, not just occasional observances, and that troops must keep in mind the safety and welfare of women and girls in the communities they serve, particularly those affected by conflict and other security threats.

"The effectiveness of our commitment will not be measured by the number of activities we conduct during these 18 days, but by the standards we maintain throughout the year," Nafarrete's statement read.

EastMinCom said it would continue to build gender advocacy and protection protocols into its field operations, community engagements and security missions across Southeastern Mindanao, Mindanao Times reported.